Explorers Garden
Explorers Garden
Scotland has produced some of the world’s most successful plant hunters and this truly unique Garden celebrates their contribution to the way our gardens look today.
Conceived as a Theatricum Botanicum, and built in conjunction with the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in the late 1990s, the Explorers Garden offers stunning spaces for art performance including the Pagoda, the Pavilion and the Amphitheatre.
The Explorers Garden is home to many rare varieties of meconopsis which bloom in the month of May. We even have our own version that is unique to us, the Himalayan blue Poppy GSG Explorers.
This predominantly woodland garden is a rare opportunity to experience art in nature, in a stunning Highland location and definitely one for your theatre to-do list. The Garden is also available for private events and makes a breath-taking wedding venue.
We sell beautiful seasonal flowers and plants for you to take home. Browse the selection on display by the Theatre entrance.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please note: Explorers Garden is now closed for the Winter. We will reopen from 1 April 2025. See you then!
Location: from Box Office follow signs to the Garden entrance, it’s a 5-10 minute walk
Summer Opening Hours: 1 April – 31 October 2025
Prices:
Adult Standard Price: £7
Under 16s: 50% discount
Children under 5: free entry
Season tickets: £27.50
Tickets on sale soon
Access: some paths may be steep for anyone with a wheelchair, walker or buggy/pram
Dogs on leads are welcome in the Explorers Garden
Groups and private tours: complete the form or call Box Office 01796 484 626
RHS Members: Free on a Tuesday/Wednesday
Events
During the summer of 2024 the beautiful Amphitheatre was the stage for The Secret Garden and Dido and Aeneas.
An outdoor space that makes the most of the spectacular setting, the Amphitheatre is nestled in the Explorers Garden. It has been designed to mimic both the shape and the dimensions of the Auditorium, and was conceived and built as part of the original design at the start of the 2000s.
We’ve shared opera and musicals, drama, comedy and some truly magical experiences under the sun and the stars, surrounded by stunning views of Ben-y-Vrackie.
With a maximum audience of 120, including wheelchair spaces, the space is fully accessible.
Amphitheatre
Help fund the Explorers Garden
Your support is vital to help the Explorers Garden flourish. We are grateful for all donations however large or small.
Amount to donate: £
Book a Tour
Enjoy an in-depth and guided tour of the Explorers Garden with our Landscape & Garden Manager, Caroline Bavey.
“My heart is full of love for the Explorers Garden, and I want to protect it and share it with others. The outdoors is a special place to be.”
Caroline joined our team as Landscape & Garden Manager in 2022. She was part of a team that won a Gold accolade at the prestigious RHS Hampton Court exhibition, which she produced and grew at home in Pitlochry. She not only tends to the plants but is also refurbishing some of the Explorers Garden furniture and structures with prunings to ensure nothing goes to waste!
Guided Tours
Guided Tours are led by our Landscape and Garden Manager, Caroline Bavey.
To book a tour, complete the form or call Box Office 01796 484 626
On the last Thursday of the month, we are offering a 1 hour Guided Tour, starting at 11am, running from April – September. Tickets £14.
Group Tours
Group guided tours are for a minimum of 15 people. This is a full and in-depth tour of the Garden lasting approximately 2 to 2.5 hours starting at 11am, running from April – October 2025. Tickets £20 per person.
Private Tours
For a private tour of the Garden, contact Caroline here.
Find out more
Garden Gallery
See how our Explorers Garden is developing
We are grateful for the donation from The Enchanted Forest Community Fund. This has gone towards vital maintenance and the health and safety programme taking place in our Explorers Garden.
